1161) Bicentenary of Paika Bidroha (1817-2017): A Quaternary Silver Commemorative Coin of Rupees Two Hundred (Rs.200/-) issued by the India Government Mint, Mumbai in 2018, booking for which commenced in 01/2019:

1161) Bicentenary of Paika Bidroha (1817-2017): A Quaternary Silver Commemorative Coin of Rupees Two Hundred (Rs.200/-) issued by the India Government Mint, Mumbai in 2018, booking for which commenced in 01/2019:

For my earlier post on the Bicentenary of the "Paika Bidroha" postage stamps issued in 2018, please visit the following link:

Paika Rebellion/Revolution (Paika Bidroh) in Odisha (1817-1819): Bi-Centenary of the First War of Indian Independence (1817-2017): A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) brought out by India Post on 24.12.2018

I have on 02.12.2019 received a Rs.200/- Quaternary Silver Coin commemorating the "Bicentenary of the Paika Bidroha (1817-2017)", from the India Government Mint, Mumbai:

A composite image of the Cardboard Box containing the Coin Presentation Case, the Presentation Case and the Information Brochure on the "Bicentenary of the Paika Bidroha (1817-2017)".

The Cardboard Box on a stand-alone basis is inscribed "Paika Bidroha Ki 200 Vin Saalgriha" (in Hindi) and Bicentenary of the Paika Bidroha" (in English).

Below this inscription is Bakshi Jagadbandhu's image on horseback, who was the hereditary chief of the militia army of the Gajapati King of Khurda (near Puri).

Further below is inscribed "Smarak Sikka" (in Hindi) and "COMMEMORATIVE COIN" (in English), below which is the year of issue "2018".

At extreme right bottom is mentioned the Coin Quality - "UNC (One Coin)" in English (meaning that the Coin Quality is "Uncirculated").

For the first time, instead of a cardboard multi-page coin album, the India Government Mint, Mumbai has sent me the above Presentation Case, which houses the encapsulated Commemorative Coin on the Bicentenary of the Paika Bidroha (1817-2017)".

The Presentation Case standing on its edge.

The Information Brochure is inscribed on top with the Emblem of the Government of India, indicati9ng that this commemorative coin has been issued by an India Government Mint.

Below the Emblem is inscribed "Paik Vidroh Ki 200Vin Saalgriha 1817-2017" (in Hindi) and "Smarak Sikka" (also in Hindi).

At the bottom is mentioned "BICENTENARY OF THE PAIKA BIDROHA 1817-2017. COMMEMORATIVE COIN.2018" (in English).

The Information Brochure contains a brief description as under:

"The Paika Rebellion (Paika Bidroha) War was fought against the British Rule in Odisha in 1817. Pre-dating what was popularly regarded as the First War of Independence in 1857, the Paika Bidroha of 1817 in Odisha briefly shook the foundation of British rule in the eastern part of India.

Paikas were essentially the peasant militias of the Gajapati rulers of Odisha who rendered military service to the king during times of war, while taking up cultivation during times of peace.

Till 1803, Odisha was under Maratha rule, however, after the second Anglo-Maratha war, the Marathas were forced to cede most of the territory in Odisha to the British East India Company (BEIC). Establishment of British rule in Odisha was followed by a policy of repression against the Paikas. They lost their traditional position in society and their lands were taken away. In addition to losing their estates, the Paikas were also heavily exploited by the revenue collectors under the British.

The Paikas under the leadership of Bakshi Jagabandhu, the hereditary chief of the militia army of the Gajapati King of Khurda (a kingdom near Puri), rose in rebellion in March 1817, taking the support of tribals and other sections of society. The Paikas attacked British symbols of power, setting ablaze police stations, administrative offices and treasury during their march towards Khurda.

The British were initially taken aback and then tried to regain lost ground but faced stiff resistance from the Paikas, who were eventually defeated by the British.

The Paikas retreated into the thick jungles of Odisha and carried out guerilla warfare for several years. After successive defeats, the Paika leader Bakshi Jagadbandhu surrendered to the British in 1825 and lived as a prisoner in Cuttack till he passed away in 1829."

The Reverse of the Rupees Two Hundred (Rs.200/-) Quaternary Silver Coin depicts Bakshi Jagadbandhu's image riding on a horse, sword in hand.

On the upper periphery is mentioned "Paik Vidroh Ki 200Vin Saalgriha" (in Hindi), while on the lower periphery is inscribed - "BICENTENARY OF THE PAIKA BIDROH". On the centre left and right peripheries are the bicentenary years - "1818 - 2017".

At the extreme bottom is the "diamond" mint mark of the Mumbai Mint.

The coin is encapsulated to protect it from and scratches/damage.

The Obverse of the Rupees Two Hundred (Rs.200/-) Quaternary Silver Coin is inscribed at left, the country name - "Bharat" (in Hindi) and at right "INDIA" (in English).

In the centre is the Emblem of India, inspired by the Lion pillar/capitol of the legendary "Samrat" (Emperor) of Ancient India - "Ashok the Great", below which is the inscription "Satyamev Jayate" (meaning "Truth will Always Prevail").

At the bottom is inscribed the denomination of the coin "200" (preceded by the rupee symbol).

The coin is encapsulated and housed in this elegant red and black Presentation Case. This is an image of the open Presentation Case.

An image of the closed Presentation Case.

The specifications of this Commemorative Coin are:

Denomination of the Coin: Two Hundred Rupees; Shape: Circular; Diameter/Size: 44.0 mm; No. of Serrations: 200; Weight: 35.0 grams; Metal Composition: Quaternary Alloy: Silver - 50%, Copper - 40%, Nickel - 5%, Zinc - 5%; Mint: India Government Mint, Mumbai; Year: 2018.